The United Nations Foundation has offered the campaign $100,000.00 if it reaches this goal, so please ask all your friends, family and colleagues to support this great cause.

Is your signature worth $1.00 to an extremely worthy campaign? We certainly believe so. Please ad your signature to the campaign now. Once you have loaded the page, click on the ‘Add Your Name” box located to the lower left of the screen.

As the new administration finds its feet, now is the time to ensure that the issue of violence against women is not sidelined. The Coalition is greatly encouraged by the First Minister’s recent announcement to continue work to bring in new legislation that will address the low percentage of rape convictions in Scotland. However, many more change sstill need to take place so that we can progress towards a new Scotland where women and children can live free from fear.

Frontline services such as Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis groups (historically over-stretched and under-funded) have benefited from national funding streams such as the Violence Against Women Fund and the Rape Crisis Specific Fund. These funds have significantly expanded the services available to women and children across Scotland. It is vital that this work continues if we are to achieve the goal of ultimately ending violence against women.

White Ribbon Scotland supports the statement; you can also make a difference as an individual. By asking your MSP to support the Statement of Intent 2007 your will be asking the new Scottish Government: –

• For the continued provision of funding to violence against women projects to ensure the continuation of essential service provision to women and children experiencing violence.

• For the continued development of strategic work on violence against women, guided by the multi-agency National Group on Violence Against Women and enabled by the Violence Against Women Team within the Equality Unit at the Scottish Government.

• To commit to changing public attitudes and behaviours through education initiatives and public awareness campaigns.

• For the adoption of a broad definition of violence against women, which makes the links between domestic abuse, rape and commercial sexual exploitation.

• To Ensure effective legal protection for women and children experiencing violence.